Predictors of Early Dental Care Recommendation: Insights from Demographic and Behavioral Factors.

Aim: Early dental care is essential for preventing oral diseases and establishing positive health behaviors, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, limited data exist on the factors influencing early dental care recommendations among U.S. adults. This study investigated whether demographic and behavioral predictors (e.g., frequency of dental visits) and diabetic status were associated with early dental care recommendations using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from March 2017 to March 2020, prior to the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 3766 adults from the NHANES was conducted. Rao-Scott chi-square tests assessed bivariate associations between predictors (demographics, socioeconomic status, dental behavior, and diabetes status) and outcomes (poor self-reported oral health and early dental care recommendations). Weighted logistic regression models were constructed in three stages to examine the associations of predictors with receiving early dental care recommendations. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: Males were more likely than females to receive early dental care recommendations (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58). Black race (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.27-2.04), lower income (OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.43-2.52), and lower education (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.19-2.05) were factors significantly associated with increased likelihood of receiving such recommendations. Individuals who had not visited a dentist in over a year were over four times more likely to be advised to seek dental care early (OR: 4.53, 95% CI: 3.54-5.79). Diabetes status was not significantly associated with dental visit recommendations (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Early dental care recommendations are strongly influenced by socioeconomic and behavioral factors. Surprisingly, the diabetes status was not linked to early visit recommendations, despite its known connection to oral health issues. These findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies that address oral health disparities and improve dental access for underserved populations.